Sipu Jha
The Cincinnati Bengals’ heartbreaking 39-38 loss to the New York Jets delivered a new setback beyond the scoreboard. Quarterback Joe Flacco briefly exited with a shoulder injury, raising major concern for his Week 9 availability. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, putting Cincinnati’s offense and fantasy managers on high alert ahead of their matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Joe Flacco’s Week 9 status in doubt: What it means for Bengals stars Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown
If Flacco cannot suit up, Jake Browning would return as the Bengals’ starting quarterback. Browning can operate the offense, but the production drop-off with him under center is undeniable. Cincinnati’s fantasy stars take a clear hit, even in a favorable matchup versus a depleted Bears defense.Chase has thrived with Flacco, racking up 346 yards and two touchdowns on 54 targets since Week 6. That volume fueled WR1-level confidence every week. Browning has shown the ability to feed Chase, including his huge Week 2 performance (165 yards and a touchdown), yet his efficiency and usage dipped sharply in other games. Against a Chicago secondary missing multiple starters, Chase remains a must-start, though with a lower fantasy floor.
Tee Higgins fantasy value drops without Joe Flacco
Flacco revived Higgins’ production, delivering consistent targets and scoring opportunities over the past three games. Browning’s track record with Higgins is far more volatile, turning him into a risky Flex play. The matchup is strong enough to keep him in lineups, but expectations must be tempered if Browning starts.Higgins thrives in contested-catch situations with a quarterback who trusts him, and Flacco delivered that instantly. Without that chemistry, his fantasy ceiling drops sharply even in a favorable matchup against Chicago’s secondary.
Chase Brown PPR upside becomes more important in Week 9
Brown’s fantasy value is tied to passing-game involvement. Browning relied on him earlier in the season, giving Brown a decent PPR floor even when the offense struggled. Chicago’s bottom-half defense keeps Brown Flex-worthy, although his efficiency and scoring upside drop without Flacco.Cincinnati’s offense immediately loses upside if Browning is forced back into the lineup, lowering the ceiling for every major fantasy contributor. Ja’Marr Chase stays a must-start based on talent and matchup alone, while Tee Higgins and Chase Brown fit best as risky Flex options. Fantasy managers fighting for playoff position will want to monitor Flacco’s status right up until kickoff because his availability could be the difference between a crucial win and a costly setback.Also Read: Jason Kelce’s dad sparks laugh-out-loud moment at Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes’ Steakhouse, Kelce brothers crack up on “New Heights”
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